Journal Classic Cars

Some of us are in denial that the mid-1990s took place three decades ago. All it takes is a few magazine page-flips to feel nostalgic about cars (and culture) of a bygone era.

How many makes and models that were featured in full-page advertisements in the July 1996 issue of Car and Driver magazine are still in production today? In total, there were 20 vehicles featured (and surprisingly, three of them came from one brand alone). Here they are in alphabetical order:

1. Acura 3.5 RL: Acura’s flagship went on to become the RLX, which has since been discontinued.

2. BMW 328i: The 3-Series is still an important model for the BMW brand.

3. Chevrolet Cavalier: Went out of production after 2005.

4. Dodge Stratus: Ahh, remember Auto Stick? A precursor to many of today’s manually-shiftable automatics.

5. Ford Taurus SHO: A muscle car for the whole family.

6. GMC Sierra: Still a top-seller for General Motors, alongside the Silverado.

7. Isuzu Oasis: Essentially, a badge-engineered first-generation Honda Odyssey.

8. Land Rover Discovery: Still around, and marketed as a versatile seven-seater.

9. Lexus SC400: The original Lexus “sport coupe,” which lived on in spirit through the RC, which has just been discontinued.

10. Lincoln Continental: Perhaps the longest-running nameplate in this list — around since 1940.

11. Mazda 626: Mazda produced a “6” for many years, but today the largest sedan in the American market is the 3. Like many other brands, Mazda is focused on crossovers.

12. Mitsubishi Eclipse: An icon from a vastly different (and perhaps better?) era for Mitsubishi.

13. Nissan 200SX: Many of these cars are making me miss the days of compact sport coupes.

14. Nissan Pathfinder: A stalwart member of the Nissan family — still around, both in 2WD and 4WD configurations.

15. Nissan Quest: Wow, Nissan ran three ads one issue. The Quest was also badge-engineered as a Mercury Villager.

16. Saab 900: Lasted through 1998 and then was replaced by the 9-3. Saab went defunct in 2016.  

17. Saturn SL2: Another brand that didn’t survive. I remember how Saturns were advertised for having dent-resistant plastic body panels.

18. Subaru Outback: The TV commercials for these were great as they featured Paul Hogan from “Crocodile Dundee.”

19. Suzuki X-90: Unique in its time, and incredibly rare today — it was a two-seat, open roof SUV.

20. Volkswagen Passat: Around since 1973, but discontinued in the United States after 2022.

Maybe you or someone you know owned (or still owns!) one of the vehicles on the list.

What vehicle nameplates from 2026 do you think will still be around in 2056?

Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett, the founding members behind Barrett-Jackson, will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2026. The pair are being honored for setting the foundation of the collector car auction industry and elevating automotive culture.

Jackson’s path into the automotive world began far from auction blocks and global stages. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, he attended the General Motors Institute in Flint before working as a car salesman and serving with the Pontiac Fire Department. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of chief mechanic while stationed at bases across Mississippi and California. Determined to keep his wife Nellie by his side, Jackson arranged for her to work as an accountant wherever he was posted. Nellie, who shared her husband’s love of classic automobiles, later became known as the “First Lady of Collector Cars.”

After World War II, Jackson owned and operated Russ’s Country Store near Pontiac from 1946 to 1960. That same year, the family relocated to Arizona in search of a warmer climate to help ease Nellie’s arthritis. Once settled in Scottsdale, Russ and Nellie opened a full-service Super Car Wash, securing contracts with local police departments and auto dealerships. They also launched the Classic Carriage House, where they bought, sold, restored and refinished classic automobiles, laying early groundwork for what would become a defining legacy in collector cars.

Tom Barrett’s automotive journey began in Oak Park, Illinois, where his fascination with cars took hold at an early age. Despite his father’s hopes that he would pursue law, Barrett became a car collector by age 19 and later moved to Arizona in 1960 to work as a real estate broker. He leveraged his passion for classic cars to build lasting business relationships with collectors nationwide, quickly earning a reputation as one of the industry’s foremost authorities on vehicle values.

Known globally as the “Grandfather of the Collector Car Industry,” Barrett played a pivotal role in preserving some of the world’s most important automobiles. His pursuit of rare vehicles took him behind the Iron Curtain, bringing home iconic Mercedes, Bugattis, one-off classics and early Grand Prix race cars, many of which now anchor premier private collections. His lifelong commitment to automotive history included decades of support for the Classic Car Club of America, which in 1989 named a building at the Gilmore Car Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Thomas W. Barrett III Barn in his honor. Barrett also expanded his automotive influence into motorsports, fielding his own Indy car team in 1981 and serving as a sponsor of the Indianapolis 500.

“My father and Tom Barrett shared a belief that cars bring people together and tell powerful stories about craftsmanship and history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Their passion helped build an industry and a global community.”

That legacy is now being formally recognized. Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2026, honored for setting the foundation of the collector car auction industry and elevating automotive culture.

The Automotive Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2026 during REVEAL 2026, an exclusive reception held Saturday, Feb. 7, in Naples, Florida, presented by JM Family Enterprises and hosted in partnership with the Naples Automotive Experience.

“Induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed in the global automotive industry, and the Class of 2026 exemplifies the vision, courage and lasting impact that honor represents,” said Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame. “These inductees have not only shaped the industry in their own time, but have also inspired generations of engineers, leaders and enthusiasts around the world.”

Jon Husby, Chair of the Automotive Hall of Fame Board of Directors and CEO of ADAC, emphasized the rigor of the selection process. “Each member of the Class of 2026 was chosen for their enduring contributions to mobility and their influence on the future of the automotive industry,” Husby said. “We are proud to welcome them into this distinguished global circle.”

The formal Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by MEMA, will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in downtown Detroit at The Department at Hudson’s. The black-tie event will bring together inductees, global automotive leaders, partners and guests for an evening celebrating excellence, legacy and innovation.

Following REVEAL 2026, the announcement officially launches the Automotive Hall of Fame’s Road to Induction, a months-long journey featuring digital storytelling, interviews, partnerships and live activations leading up to the September ceremony.

This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.

Our AutoHunter Spotlight for today is this 1928 Ford Model A Tudor. If you want to know what driving and owning a pre-war car is like, there is no better deal than the Ford Model A. It is easy to maintain, has great aftermarket support, is fun to drive, and is inexpensive to buy. Finished in three-tone green/blue/black over a correct gray cloth interior, this antique Blue Oval is now offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.

To illustrate how a Model A is different from any post-war car, this is the starting procedure:

1. Engage emergency brake by pulling back on it.
2. Push lever left of steering wheel (spark control) all the way up (retard).
3. Pull lever right of the steering (hand throttle) halfway down.
4. Turn gas valve under dash on passenger side to open (pointing down).
5. Turn choke control valve (under right side of dash) fully clockwise and back off a quarter turn. If it’s cold outside, open a full turn.
6. Turn ignition switch on (clockwise).
7. Push in clutch and put transmission in neutral.
8. Pull choke control out.
9. Turn engine over three revolutions — choke in on third revolution.
10. When engine starts, push throttle lever (right lever) up.
11. Put left lever all the way down (depending on how your engine is timed, three-quarters down might be better).
12. Allow engine to warm up (the accelerator pedal should be used to keep engine running until warm).
13. Turn choke control (actually the gas adjusting valve) clockwise to smoothest operating condition.
14. When starting an engine that is already warmed up, omit above choke steps.
15. Always put left lever (spark retard position) all the way up when starting, then down when driving.

The key to buying a Model A (as with many other classic cars) is to buy the best example you can afford. This is exponentially more important for a Model A as the cost to restore one will run you much more than what a restored car is worth. Luckily, according to the seller this Model A, it has already undergone a quality restoration.

When examining the photos, the Model A’s exterior looks to be in great shape. The paintwork appears excellent, and the three-tone color combination really sets it off. The chrome also looks to be in very nice condition, along with the black-painted wire wheels, which are clad with correct 4.4014.50-2186M European Classic whitewall tires.

The interior is as nice as the exterior, with the correct seat material nicely installed.

The simplicity of the dash is fun, demonstrating pre-war charm at its best: speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and amperage gauge. I see no flaws at all — only standard wear that some polish, cloth, and time can make perfect.

Under the hood, the stock and correct 200.5ci flathead inline-four looks to be in great condition. It is fed by a correct single-barrel carburetor. Power is driven to the wheels by a three-speed manual transmission.

The underside of this Model A looks absolutely amazing. It is clean enough to compete at any car show or concours event. Like the rest of the car, everything is correct, with the car featuring a stock Model A 10-bolt rear end and drum brakes.

I mentioned earlier that the Model A is the perfect entry into the world of pre-war cars. This particular example is truly a nice specimen and, being a Tudor, it is a much nicer styling exercise than the four-door. In addition, being a closed model, it offers a level of usability that the convertible lacks thanks to strong weather protection. The utility is so good that my friend Jonathan Klinger drove a Model A Tudor every day for a year just to prove that it could be done.

If all this sounds like a recipe for automotive fun unlike anything else you have experienced, you would not be wrong — bid and score this car for your garage. There are many Model A cars on the market, but few are as nice as this one. Act fast and bid now as the auction for this restored 1928 Model A Tudor ends on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT). 

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, we should set the tone of the season with a car that will make its next owner feel lucky. The Pick of the Day is a custom 1937 Ford Roadster listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

“This is a top-quality build that turns heads and commands attention everywhere it goes,” the listing begins.

While 89 years old in its exterior design motif, much everything else about this Ford is newer. It rides on a custom powder-coated frame and uses a Wild Rides fiberglass body with a removable Carson-style top. The Synergy Green hue is a GM-derived color, and the car features a horizontal-slat grille, airbrushed silver stripe, rear-hinged doors, shaved trunk handle, and a rear light bar that handles brake light and turn signal functions. The Ridetech air suspension is fully customizable, with footwork provided by a set of 17-inch front/20-inch rear five-spoke chrome wheels.

The saddle-colored upholstery is done is in “Ultraleather” high-end faux leather material, and you enter the two-tone cabin via a remote fob. Features include body-color accents, lap belts, LED lights, center console, power windows, Lokar shifter, air-ride suspension controls, Vintage Air HVAC, and a cutting-edge Sony audio system.  

Now, take a peek under the engine bay where there’s even more green to be found. Power comes from a GM-sourced 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 mated to a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay has received show-quality finishing, courtesy of chrome accessories and a color-keyed intake manifold. Upgrades include performance headers, aluminum radiator, and electric fan. Only 4,650 miles have been driven since the build was completed, so there are plenty more cruising miles ahead.

Ford roadsters from the late 1930s are beloved for their streamlined styling elements like prominent V-shaped grilles and teardrop headlights. This eye-catching ’37 delivers all of that style, plus modern performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance with its robust LS V-8. It’s a green machine that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser in any holiday parade.

The asking price is $72,900 or best offer. This fine Ford will come with build documentation and receipts.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

Known for its “Coke-bottle” styling, the mid-size 1972 Gran Torino Sport was characterized by its long hood, short deck, and available “SportsRoof” fastback roofline. There was also no mistaking its one-year-only grille design (sometimes referred to as the “fishmouth”).

The brochure for 1972 models said, “Each Gran Torino Sport gives you lines that say action and mean it. With emphasis like integral hood scoops, dual racing mirrors, wide-oval white sidewalls, sporty trim rings with hub caps, and a jaunty new oval grille.”

Standard features for the year included a three-speed manual transmission, manual front disc brakes, DirectAire ventilation, high-back bench seat, lower bodyside moldings, concealed windshield wipers, and “Lifeguard” safety equipment. The ’72 Gran Torino Sport could be optioned with engines ranging in size from a 302ci V-8 to a 429ci V-8, with the 351 Cobra Jet offering the most horsepower.

In the late 1980s, my dad bought a 1972 Gran Torino Sport as his carpool car since he commuted about 100 miles per day for work. We named the car after “Slimer,” the green antagonist in the 1984 movie “Ghostbusters.”

Dad’s car had its share of issues. Among them, the heater core was on the fritz, so there was a coolant leak inside the passenger footwell. But that didn’t stop him from driving the car until the engine finally gave up — and by that time, rust was taking over the body anyway (this was in northern Utah, after all).

One of my memories with Slimer involved a time when Dad picked us up from the skating rink and did some donuts in the snow-laden street. My brothers and I laughed our heads off.

We have only a few photos of the Gran Torino Sport, and it always seemed to be lurking in the background. Two of the pics (including the above) show my youngest brother wearing an oversized coat. He’s is now 38 years old, so that may tell you how long ago the pictures were taken.

The below pic shows our family’s freshly-detailed 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix (Mom’s car) with Slimer in the background. That’s me at left in the purple sporting period-correct high-tops.

And here’s a picture of dad’s F-250, again with the Gran Torino Sport hiding out back in the same parking space.

I’ve toyed with the idea of tracking down a Gran Torino Sport like dad’s old car but, for now, I’m content with keeping memories of Slimer tucked away. After all, I still get flashbacks of the interior smell every time I get a whiff of a coolant leak.

Do you have any Gran Torino stories of your own?

SEMA is where brands, builders, and shops roll out their newest parts and builds so wild that you are still talking about them on the flight home. The show started in 1967 and has grown into a massive trade industry-focused event in Las Vegas. This video is all about a resurrected halo car: the first-generation Ford GT, a street car with a Le Mans-inspired shape and attitude built as Ford’s tribute to the GT40 era. At SEMA Show 2025, WD-40 and Throtl had to meet a tough deadline to unveil a secret project. Did they make it in time? Stay tuned to find out!

This video is sponsored by HowToo. Stop digging through forums and YouTube. Orion puts diagnosis, repair instructions, and guided videos in one place, plus exact-fit parts from your favorite brands at distributor-level pricing. It’s 100% free. Try it today at https://howtoo.com/.

TJ Lamb, known under his online profile name, “Magnacars,” has built quite a social media enterprise around sharing other peoples’ car stories — and it’s been a huge success.

He started his YouTube channel around 2023, but he’s been active on social media for over a decade. “I love to interview people and find out why they drive the car they do,” he said in a recent video. “I find it so interesting — whether it’s a million-dollar car, or a thousand-dollar car.” He is all about building a sense of community.

For a time, the focus of TJ’s channel was on buying inexpensive cars and fixing them up. At one point, his personal collection spanned six vehicles. The turning point was when he realized his viewers were more interested in seeing a variety of vehicles from other owners. “I don’t need to buy cars to make content,” he said. His existing videos weren’t paying what his hobby was costing, so he pivoted. “I’d much rather focus on you,” he said in a video. “Even if I get no money, I’ll have fun doing it.”

Today, TJ’s YouTube channel has over half a million subscribers, and he has over 430,000 Instagram followers. His reach is far, wide, and still growing. The videos in recent weeks have spanned everything from a $2 million-plus Lamborghini Sesto to a compact Vespa Jolly microcar.

I connected with TJ during the hustle and bustle of Arizona Auction Week in January. Working with limited remaining daylight and a tight schedule, we filmed a “Why I Drive” with my 1994 Acura Legend. As of the time of this writing, it has over 40,000 views.

Subsequently, TJ came by my place to do a walk-through of my garage with me. That video has amassed over 100,000 views. A large part of TJ’s success is due to his charismatic, outgoing personality. He is engaging to chat with, and he truly takes interest in others.

If you or someone you know would like be featured in a video, you can contact TJ here.

For many, restoring an old car (even one from the 1990s) is a process of combing through junkyards for parts, or going to specialists who remanufacture particular components or make improved versions of them. Bringing certain Honda and Acura vehicles back to their former glory will now be a little easier thanks to the upcoming Honda Heritage Works program.

Honda Heritage Works will officially launch in Japan on April 1, 2026. Consider it the umbrella over two divisions: Honda Heritage Parts and Honda Restoration Service. Honda Heritage Parts will supply two different types of components: The first is Genuine Honda Reproduction Parts made with the same materials and production methods as the original ones; the second is Honda Compatible Parts, which are redeveloped and reproduced to replace OEM hardware.

Which model will be the first to benefit from Honda Heritage Parts? The first-generation Acura NSX (this is a great time to congratulate our very own Tyson Hugie, but I’m sure he already read the news!). Pricing and parts availability will be announced around the time when components begin showing up at Acura dealerships this summer.

Unfortunately, the Honda Restoration Service (formerly known as the NSX Refresh Plan) will have a more limited coverage area. According to Acura, “The Honda Restoration Service will be offered exclusively in Japan for Japan-market first-generation NSX models and will utilize Honda Heritage Parts to restore customer vehicles.”

A Basic Restoration will cover replacing worn-out engine, suspension, and door- and other opening-related parts; a Total Restoration will include those areas as well as a complete disassembly and repaint in addition to an interior overhaul.

For decades, devoted Acura NSX owners have been keeping their cars on the road. Honda Heritage Works will help them maintain that and, at the same time, preserve machines that showed the world that head-turning, mid-engine performance models don’t have to be problematic cars only driven on the weekends.

The clock is ticking for enthusiasts hoping to add a highly decorated mid-year Corvette to their garage. The Classic Corvette Dream Giveaway is nearing its conclusion, and entries to win the grand-prize 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray convertible close on March 24. Click here to enter now!

For collectors, this example represents the type of car that rarely appears outside of major auctions or established private collections. Showing just 19,607 original miles, the Corvette has earned the prestigious National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) Top Flight Award three separate times, a distinction that signals exceptional authenticity and restoration accuracy.

A Big-Block Corvette from the Height of the Sting Ray Era

The 1966 model year sits squarely in the golden age of the Corvette Sting Ray. By this point, Chevrolet had refined the second-generation Corvette into a world-class American sports car, combining dramatic styling with serious big-block performance.

This particular example is powered by a 427-cubic-inch V8 rated at 425 horsepower, paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and Positraction rear axle — a combination that helped define Corvette performance during the muscle car era.

Finished in Silver Pearl, this Corvette features the unmistakable mid-year look that enthusiasts prize: sculpted fenders, hidden headlights, and aggressive side-exit exhaust that announces the presence of Chevrolet’s legendary big-block engine.

Complementing the convertible soft top is a matching auxiliary hardtop, offering owners the ability to enjoy the car as either a classic open-air roadster or a sleek coupe-style Sting Ray. Click here to enter now!

Triple NCRS Top Flight Recognition Plus Two Bonuses

For serious Corvette collectors, the NCRS Top Flight Award is one of the most respected honors in the hobby. Vehicles earning the designation must meet rigorous standards for factory-correct components, finishes, and overall presentation.

Achieving the award once is notable. Earning it three times places this Corvette in rare company and underscores the quality of its restoration and preservation.

Combined with the car’s sub-20,000-mile odometer reading, the result is a mid-year Corvette that represents both authenticity and collector appeal.

Along with the Corvette itself, the grand-prize winner will also receive a Wildfire Lifts automotive lift, allowing the car to be displayed and maintained properly in a home garage.

The prize package also includes $24,000 toward federal prize taxes, helping offset the financial impact for the lucky recipient.

Final Days Before the Giveaway Ends

With the giveaway ending March 24, time is running out for enthusiasts who want a chance to claim the keys to this award-winning Sting Ray.

For Corvette fans, the opportunity to win a low-mile, triple-Top Flight 1966 Corvette convertible with big-block power represents a rare chance to own one of the most desirable American sports cars of the 1960s.

Enter now!

The El Camino was certainly more car than truck but, when it first launched in 1959, Chevrolet marketed it as part of the Task Force truck campaign. Just like with modern-day light-duty pickups, the El Camino “coupe utility” offered plenty of payload for most day-to-day chores. Featured on AutoHunter is a 1966 Chevrolet El Camino Pickup listed by a dealer in Portland, Oregon. If the “EV Camino” that Derek wrote about on Monday didn’t tickle your fancy, maybe a traditional internal-combustion variant will?

The second-generation El Camino launched in model year 1964, and received a facelift for 1966. As was the case since 1964, the El Camino shared a chassis and much of its sheet metal with the mid-size Chevelle. The list of available options was lengthy, spanning two six-cylinder engines, six V-8s, and several different transmissions.

To no surprise, the El Camino was all about versatility. One of the magazine ads for 1966 said, “You can take it with you. Over half a ton of it, if you wish, and that’s only part of the beauty of a Chevrolet El Camino. Along with the capabilities of a light-duty truck, you get sleek ’66 Chevelle styling and a lap-of-luxury interior you can make as lush as you like.”

According to its data tag, this El Camino was assembled the second week of December, 1965 in Kansas City, Missouri. Later in life, it was restored in its original Tuxedo Black, which looks as classy as the name sounds. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, an SS-style hood, dual side mirrors, rocker moldings, tonneau cover, chrome dual exhaust outlets, and 17-inch Center Line aluminum wheels wrapped in Federal tires.

Inside the cabin, the car’s previous bucket-seat arrangement has been replaced with a black vinyl split-bench. Features include power steering, retro-look AM/FM stereo, Bowtie-branded floor mats, and an under-dash 6,000-rpm tachometer. A spare tire is cleverly housed behind the seat.

Under the hood is a 327ci V-8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission and a 10-bolt rear end. The odometer reads 84,884 miles, but the title reads mileage-exempt.

This El Camino is perfect for an enthusiast seeking a “gentleman’s hauler.” It has the look and the ride quality of a passenger car with the added utility of a cargo bed. Get a muscle car that can do it all with confidence!

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet El Camino Pickup ends Monday, March 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery